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Guess they still haven’t gotten over the fact Des offed their king…

It doesn’t help that the whole shebang starts what feels like an hour late, and even after it does, it’s been about as interesting as watching paint dry.

The only saving grace is Des, who’s busy whispering secrets in my ears about the audience members sitting in the pews.

“He is one of the most vocal opponents of equal rights and protections for changelings, largely because he was spurned by the human he fell in love with.”

“She’s sleeping with the entire royal guard, and everyone knows it except her husband.”

“She has a servant who she secretly callsDaddy, and she regularly has him punish her.”

He leans in again now. “All morning I’ve been fantasizing about spreading those soft thighs of yours and fucking you until you’re begging me to come.”

I stagger a little on my feet, and my siren nearly bursts forth; it’s all I can do to keep her caged.

Mara’s eyes flick over to us before returning to the subject in front of her.

I give him an incredulous look. He decides to dirty talk with menow?

“Just making sure you’re still paying attention,” he says.

From behind us, a side door opens, and Malaki, along with two Night soldiers, step up to Des, Malaki whispering something into Des’s ear.

The Bargainer nods then leans into me. “Another soldier has disappeared.”

Another one?

“I need to step out briefly to talk to my men. Malaki will be here in my stead until I return.”

He kisses me on the lips, and then he’s gone, retreating through the side door with the Night soldiers.

I blink at Malaki, who gives me a tight smile before openly glaring at Janus.

Mara excuses her latest subject, leaning back against her throne, her fiery hair cascading down her chest. Today white roses are tangled in those bright locks of hers.

Next to her, the Green Man’s gaze flicks to me, his gaze intense.

Gah, that fairy is unnerving.

The double doors at the far end of the room open, and a manacled woman is brought in. Her arms are exposed, and I catch sight of a branded leaf peeking out from beneath her shackles.

Human.

Her eyes are swollen, but her face is dry, and her chin is defiantly lifted. All eyes watch her as she’s led down the aisle, her footsteps and those of her guards echoing throughout the room.

Up until now, the fairies who’ve had an audience with the queen have been nobles squabbling over petty matters. This, however, I can already tell will be different.

When she comes to the edge of the dais, her fae guards force her to her knees.

“What are her crimes?” Mara asks lazily.

“She was caught fornicating with a fairy,” one of the guards reports.

Wait,seriously?

The girl is in shackles because she boned a dude with wings?

“Witnesses?” Mara asks, bored.